Chabad-Lubavitch Emissary to UAE Kidnapped, Possibly Killed

A Chabad-Lubavitch emissary to Dubai, Rabbi Tzvi Kogan, has been missing since Thursday afternoon, Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office reported in a Hebrew-language statement. It is believed the rabbi was abducted, and there are fears about his fate. Israeli officials suspect Kogan may have been under Iranian surveillance, according to Israeli media reports.

Kogan is one of several Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a dual Israeli-Moldavan citizen who served in the Israel Defense Forces. He manages a kosher supermarket in Dubai, while also working as an aide to UAE Chief Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Duchman in Abu Dhabi.

Israeli police and security officials went to see Kogan’s parents, who live in Ramat Shlomo, a few minutes after the start of Shabbat on Friday night. Kogan is married to the niece of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, who was murdered in 2008 by Pakistani terrorists together with his wife in an attack at the Nariman Chabad House in Mumbai, according to a report by Israel’s Channel 12 News.

Israeli public broadcaster KAN 11 News reported Saturday night that Israeli security personnel are investigating a report that an Uzbek cell under the direction of the Iranian embassy is responsible for kidnapping the rabbi. Fear for Kogan’s life is increasing in light of the fact that he disappeared in an area that is a 90 minutes’ drive from Dubai.

The public is asked to pray for the safe and speedy return of Zvi ben Etel.

“Rabbi Kogan’s car was found in the city of Al-Ain, about an hour and a half drive from Dubai,” the news outlet reported. “It appears that the terrorist squad had been following him since he left Dubai, and then kidnapped him in the grocery area where he was monitoring the kosher food. An Israeli investigation reveals that the kidnappers were apparently Uzbek citizens who fled to Turkey — but it is believed that the Iranians were the ones who directed the incident, and the security forces are treating it as a terrorist attack.

“A Mossad delegation is expected to leave shortly for Abu Dhabi to cooperate with the local security forces and assist in the investigation efforts. Officials in the Israeli security system are emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need to increase efforts to locate and prevent further risk to the rabbi’s life.

“The investigation is at an advanced stage, when all possibilities are being examined, including the involvement of foreign parties whose aim is to exert pressure on Israel through terrorist acts around the world,” KAN reported.

The rabbi’s family confirmed they have heard nothing from Kogan since Wednesday.

After he failed to arrive at scheduled meetings and could not be reached, Kogan’s family contacted the Chabad House security officer, who alerted local authorities. Israeli officials were soon notified as well.

“The Prime Minister’s Office is updating on behalf of the Mossad Intelligence and Special Operations Agency and the National Security Bureau. Since his disappearance, and against the backdrop of information that this was a terrorist incident, an extensive investigation has been opened in the country,” the statement said. “Israeli intelligence and security agencies are working continuously out of concern for the well-being and safety of Tzvi Kogan.”

The Mossad and Israel’s National Security Council have been working with UAE authorities on the investigation. Kogan’s family is devastated and the Israeli and Jewish communities in the Emirates are reportedly in shock.

“We are all following this situation with great worry and pray that the collaboration between Mossad and Abu Dhabi intelligence agencies will lead to his recovery,” Religious Services Minister Michael Malchieli told Ynet.

“It is imperative to enhance security around Jewish institutions and Chabad centers worldwide, especially in countries where threats are increasing,” the minister emphasized.

“It should be noted that the National Security Bureau has for some time issued a Level 3 travel warning (moderate threat) for the United Arab Emirates, and recommended avoiding non-essential travel to the destination, as well as taking increased precautions for those staying there,” the Mossad noted.

For security reasons, Israeli officials have canceled their participation in a conference in Abu Dhabi, according to the Israel Broadcasting Authority.

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